Blog

Hachette Children’s Group announces a TV option deal for Mr Panda picture book series by Steve Antony (published under its Hodder Children’s Books imprint) with production company Magic Light Pictures.

The deal was brokered between Karen Lawler at Hachette Children’s Group, and Michael Rose at Magic Light Pictures.

Magic Light Pictures are best known for their Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler offerings including The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Stick Man. This year the company received their 4th Oscar® nomination for Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes.

Steve Antony's Mr Panda has taken the children's book world by storm, selling over 650,000 copies since it was first published in 2015. Sold in 17 languages so far, these masterful mini dramas are a huge hit with parents and children around the world.

Magic Light Pictures are planning an animated TV series based on Mr Panda, and they will also be representing the merchandising rights during the option period. Hachette Children’s Group will be handling the stage rights.

Karen Lawler, Head of Licensed Content at HCG says:‘Mr Panda’s deadpan humour, fuzzy appeal and iconic illustrations have made him a success the world over. He’s the perfect character for TV development and we’re thrilled to add this project to the exciting roster of the HCG licensing team’s TV and film adaptations. We couldn’t think of a better partner than Magic Light Pictures for bringing Mr Panda to life on screen.’

Steve Antony says:‘I am absolutely thrilled that Magic Light will be animating Mr Panda, and it’s so great to finally be able to share this hugely exciting news with Mr Panda’s loyal fan base. He is in great hands, and I very much look forward to seeing him on screen.’

Michael Rose, Joint CEO Magic Light Pictures says: ‘Magic Light are renowned for bringing literary characters to life and Steve Antony’s brilliantly witty and characterful creation is a true original. We’re thrilled to be working with Steve and Hachette to take Mr Panda to screen and introduce him to a whole new audience.’

Steve Antony

About steve antony

After taking redundancy from a call-centre, Steve pursued his dream job as an author and illustrator. Five years later, he has sold over one million picture books, won awards, and toured the world. Steve lives in Swindon UK, is Patron of Swindon Libraries Children's Services and designed their new children's library card. Steve plays an active role with the National Literacy Trust and Beanstalk. His Mr Panda series has been optioned for TV. He also illustrated Tim Minchin's When I Grow Up and a cover of The Famous Five.